He spent 22 years in teaching and was coaching England at under-15 level before joining Boro and also managed non-League Gateshead.

He is now in charge of developing young players from nine to 21.

In 2004 he took the side to the FA Youth Cup final for the second successive year, this time winning the trophy for the first time in the club's history after beating Aston Villa.

He has been the key figure in developing Boro's justified reputation as the most successful Academy in British football, with a production line which has included England international Stewart Downing, Lee Cattermole, Andrew Taylor and David Wheater plus a host of players now making a living in the game at other clubs.